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Saturday, March 1, 2014

Odds & Ends

1. I haven't had time to do ANY reading lately other than a few blog posts on my iPhone during Brecken feedings, but I did want to mention the book Service Included: Four Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter that I read several months ago. I've never been to Per Se in NYC and probably never will, but I loved reading the experience of working there and how things function behind the scenes. The book doesn't have great reviews on Amazon and people complain that she didn't spill enough secrets, but I didn't need those details...I just liked seeing how things operate and how ridiculous some of the customers, etc. can be! If you like books about the restaurant industry, check this one out!

2. I wish I were better about journaling or scrapbooking (I guess this blog is as close as it gets!), and it was important to me that Brecken have some sort of a baby book. I did buy a traditional baby book that I'm working hard to fill out, but I also purchased this Mom's One Line a Day book which has been easy to fill out each day because you literally only have room for one line. I already love looking back on previous entries and cannot wait to give it to Brecken one day. Not a parent? They have just a generic version that would also be a fun way to journal a few years of your life!

3. The night I went into labor, I made this Roasted Pepper Panzanella for dinner. I didn't bother photographing it because I figured we'd have the leftovers the next day and I'd take pictures then. Obviously that never happened (eating the leftovers or taking pictures!), but I wanted to point you in the direction of the recipe because we really loved it! I wish I'd used a spicier salumi, like they recommended, but otherwise we found it perfect...definitely remake worthy!

4. A few weeks ago, Relished sent us three meals to try out. What is Relished, you ask? It's basically a meal planning and delivery service...they send you the exact fresh ingredients you need (down to the correct measurement!) to make meals (recipe cards included!). In other words, you're able to eat healthy meals at home without having to worry about grocery shopping or dealing with excess ingredients. For me personally, there are definite pros and cons. Right now, as we're adjusting as a family of three, it'd be fabulous to not worry about groceries or meal planning. Similarly, I'm sure there are a lot of busy families or even working couples who don't have time to worry about food, but don't want to eat out every single night. On the other hand, I'm someone who (obviously) loves to meal plan and grocery shop, so simply going online to order a pre-determined menu would take all the fun out of it for me.